Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi after successfully concluding his visit to Italy, marking the final leg of his five-nation official tour. India and Italy yesterday announced the upgradation of their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, marking a major step forward in bilateral relations.
The two countries signed several agreements in areas including agriculture, critical minerals, Ayurveda, science and technology, and facilitation of mobility of Indian nurses from India to Italy.
Both nations also signed MoUs for curbing tax crimes, Money Laundering and Terror Financing.
In a Joint Press statement with his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni, in Rome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Italy is renowned worldwide for design and precision, and India’s identity is that of a powerhouse of scale, talent, and affordable innovation. The Prime Minister said India and Italy will move forward on the principle of Design and Develop in India and Italy and Deliver for the World. He said the India-Italy Defence Industrial Roadmap has paved the way for co-development and co-production.
During the joint statement, the Prime Minister highlighted that both countries will work together on shipping, ports modernisation, logistics and the blue economy. Mr Modi said, India-Italy’s shared initiative against terror financing has presented an important example before the entire world. He said that both nations have been in constant contact regarding Ukraine, West Asia, and other tensions. He added that India’s stance is clear that all problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, said the aim is to enhance the complementarity between the two countries in many ways. She said that both nations are working hard on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, space economy, and defence. Ms Meloni said there are immense opportunities in critical minerals, agro-industry, maritime transportation, tourism and culture.
Akashvani correspondent reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful visit has been a part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s international relations and cultural cooperation.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first bilateral visit to Italy and third overall. His visit was marked by a series of significant events and engagements. He called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, focusing on enhancing cooperation between India and Italy.
The visit to the Food and Agriculture Organisation was to strengthen India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security, where he was honoured with the prestigious UN Agricola Medal.
Both sides also decided to launch the Italy-India Year of Culture and Tourism for 2027, which is a unique opportunity to have the century-old cultures develop a dialogue and make them more and more connected. He also met enthusiastic Indian diaspora and Italian artists who welcomed him on his arrival in Rome.